PTS Syndicate Masada GBBR

The Real Masada

Designed as a next-generation Assault rifle as a potential replacement for the M4 in US Army service, the Masada was intended to combine all the ergonomic features of the most advanced rifles to that date, making a modular and adaptable carbine for both Infantry and Special Forces use. The real world Masada uses a short-stroke piston operating system, similar to the G36 and SCAR, combined with an AR15 trigger group and fully ambidextrous controls, all of which can be operated without removing the strong hand from a firing grip.

It features a quick swap barrel, which can be easily changed in the field for a super-rapid calibre or barrel length swap with no need for tools or an armourer. This extraordinarily advanced rifle, designed by the former military and lusted after by modern warfare players and civilian tactical shooters alike ended up in a similar situation to many rifles designed to replace the M4. Despite having objectively superior features, the Masada was not considered enough of an improvement over a standard M4 to warrant replacing the entire US Army's inventory, and thus it now sells exclusively to civilian shooters, with whom it is very popular.

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The Airsoft Masada

The Airsoft equivalent of the PTS Masada is one of the nicest built and heaviest recoiling GBB rifles we have ever seen. It is a replica of the "Enhanced" model of Masada, featuring the multi-function adjustable side folding stock which is the envy of AR, SCAR and G36 users everywhere. The internals has been manufactured by KWA, known for producing highly efficient and robust GBBRs, this rifle is compatible with the very well designed KWA MK.2 AR15 GBBR Magazines. The rotary adjustable HOP can be accessed through the ejection port when the bolt is locked open and is adjusted using the included tool.

The rifle, being a professional training weapon, field strips exactly like the real thing, requiring just two pins to be removed to separate the upper and lower receiver and access the bolt carrier for maintenance. Let's have a look at the externals of this rare GBBR, the Masada has a lot going for it in that area.

Muzzle

Starting at the tip of the barrel, we can find an alloy birdcage flash hider at the tip of the 14.5-inch Aluminium outer barrel, attached via a 14mm CCW Male thread. This allows you to attach a suppressor or tracer unit to the Masada, or a more extravagant flash hider or muzzle brake, which would suit this modern tactical rifle well. The barrel has an authentic texture to it, matching the real rifle and adding to the realism aspect of the Masada. As we move rearwards we find the mock gas block, complete with a knurled mock gas adjuster and mock piston system, which continues beneath the high-density polymer handguard. A nice touch for realism, and exactly what we would expect from an Airsoft rifle intended to function as a training platform.

Handguard

The Polymer handguard features ribbing along the bottom and an integral hand stop at the front, with attractive and functional vent holes on either side. The holes at the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock position double as MOE rail attachment points, allowing rails designed for the AR15 polymer MOE handguard to be attached and accessories to be mounted. The handguard can be removed using a single pin that is captive in the handguard, ensuring it doesn't get lost. After the handguard is removed, we can access the outer barrel, which can be quickly removed without the use of tools, in seconds. Simply fold the hinged release handle open > hold the button next to the barrel release handle and rotate the handle 90 degrees clockwise (towards the left side of the rifle) then the barrel can be removed towards the front. This mimics the real Masada in a drool-worthy manner, leaving the potential to hot-swap barrels should longer or shorter variations be released in the future. Also, it's cool AF.

Upper Receiver

The upper receiver is CNC machined from Aluminium and is perfectly finished in a flat matte tan. At the front end, we have a spring-loaded flip-up iron sight with a steel sight blade. The sight can be deployed by pressing the button on the left side of the rifle, and looked back down by holding the sight in the folded position, and pressing the button on the right side. The sight is positioned at the end of the 37-slot Picatinny 20mm top rail, which allows mounting of Airsoft Sights & Scopes, laser/light units and has plenty of rail estate for larger optics including Red dot and magnifier combinations.

Below the top rail, we can find the slot for the charging handle, and the handle itself, which can be swapped to either side. This can be done when the charging handle is in the forward position, by pushing the small tab inside the hole in the Picatinny top rail to the rear, and removing the charging handle, holding the tab to the rear as the charging handle is reinserted in the opposite side of the Masada. This adds to the extensive ambidextrous feature set of the Masada, making it one of the most lefty-friendly gas blowback rifles available out of the box. The ejection port can be found on the right side of the rifle, and includes a shell deflector to aid the real rifles ambidextrous qualities. The bolt carrier features "MULTI-CAL" markings for authenticity, you will only be shooting 6mm BBs through this bad boy!

On the right side of the receiver, there are laser engraved markings reading "PTS s/n PMGxxxxx", your unique serial number, and "Manufactured in Taiwan by KWA". The left side features deeply engraved "MODEL - MASADA CAL - MULTI" markings. Where the handguard meets the upper receiver, above the magazine well there are two QD sling sockets, one on either side, allowing QD sling loops to be used, and quickly repositioned when needed.

Lower Receiver

The lower receiver approximates an AR15s, but with fully ambidextrous controls and a repositioned bolt release/hold open catch. The magazine release is where you would expect it, and is mirrored on either side. It lies directly within reach of the trigger finger for either right or left handed users when in a firing grip, and features deep linear texture to prevent slipping. The fire selector sits under the thumb, just above the rifles pistol grip, and differs from an AR15 fire selector in that it has a 90 degree throw between safe and semi, and a fast 45 degree throw to full auto. The fire selector is mirrored on the left side and is a low profile design, preventing the selector from digging into your hand. The fire modes are indicated using attractive pictograms moulded into the polymer. The bolt release catch is found between the magazine well and trigger guard, and is also ambidextrous, requiring a downwards push to release the bolt, and an upwards push to lock. Both the magazine well and pistol grip feature textured panels, allowing the rifle to be securely gripped in any weather condition. The trigger guard is enlarged for use with gloves and blends well with the angle of the magazine well, adding to the Masada's dynamic look. The pistol grip also features a storage compartment which can be used to store batteries for optics and flashlights, and has a water tight rubber seal to prevent damage.

Multi-Function Stock

The stock of the Masada is one of its best ergonomic features, and given the emphasis placed on ergonomics by the Masada's design team, that is saying a lot. The stock combines both side-folding and length adjustable functionality, providing 7 positions of length adjustment and the ability to fold the stock for storage and transport. The stock can be folded using the button found on the left side of the rifle, to the rear of the sling bar, and is secured in position by an internal spring system, holding the stock folded but not locking it, meaning one less thing to break or damage your stock. The buttons to extend the length of pull can be found on either side, and both need to be depressed simultaneously to actuate. The built in cheek rest allows the cheek weld of the rifle to be adjusted, though the stock needs to be extended by at least 1 position to do so. To position the cheek rest, first pull it to the rear, then raise it to the desired position, then push forward to lock. The toe of the stock features a moulded in sling loop, and above this is a reversible QD sling socket which can be positioned on either side of the rifle. On the left side between the stock and receiver there is an alloy sling bar, optimised for use with single point slings. The butt plate of the stock is textured to provide additional grip and is made from the same high strength polymer as the other furniture on the Masada.

If you are looking for a GBBR, but want something more advanced in design than an AR15 with the same incredible recoil and compatibility with the best GBBR magazines in the business, you'll be after the PTS Masada.

Features

• Gas Blowback Rifle
• Immersive recoil
• Realistic field stripping
• Aluminium upper receiver
• QD sling points front and rear
• Ambidextrous everything
• Quick-release outer barrel
• Fibre-reinforced Polymer furniture
• Multi-function side folding adjustable stock
• Functional bolt hold open - Stops firing when empty
• Storage compartment inside the pistol grip
• Uses KWA M4/AR15 GBBR Magazines
• MOE Rail compatible handguard
• 37-slot Picatinny receiver rail

Package Includes

• PTS Masada GBBR
• PTS Gas Blowback Magazine
• Flip-up rear Iron sight
• Sight adjustment tool
• HOP adjustment tool
• Loading tool
• Instruction Manual